Title: The Sound of Red Returning (Red Returning #1)
Author: Sue Duffy
Pages: 290
Year: 2012
Publisher: Kregel
The Sound of Red Returning is the first book in a new trilogy by Sue Duffy. It is set largely in Charleston, South Carolina, with a few other venues used in the story. The second book in the trilogy, Red Dawn Rising was released about two months ago and will be reviewed here in the next few days.
Liesl Bower has had a childhood filled with loss. First, her favorite aunt and one she is very close to dies at the hands of her father when Liesl is 14. Then, she receives word a few years later that her father has died in Mexico. Two years later her mother dies from cancer. Lastly, her mentor and the man who was like a second father to her is shot right before her eyes and declared guilty of treason while she is in college. Liesl now is 37 years old and a very successful, well known pianist. She has played before heads of state, royalty and the famous. However, soon her past is going to emerge as she becomes the target of Russian intelligence forces. Why is she a target? What do they think she knows? Her life is again invaded by the CIA and she encounters an old agent who had interrogated her after her mentor’s murder. Who can Liesl trust now?
Readers will see Liesl initially as concerned only with herself and how everything affects her. She has no real regard for how actions affect others. She begins to understand the bigger picture in her life and slowly acknowledges the Creator and His presence in her life. She learns that only He can fill the void and emptiness in her life.
Cade O’Brien is unemployed and living with his grandfather, Ian O’Brien, in Florida. Cade is determined to return to his home in Charleston and find a new job. His grandfather returns with him to help him get settled. The relationship between the two men is funny, loving and just a delight to witness. Cade lives in an apartment below Liesl though she has been living in Georgetown for the past year. Liesl returns, looking for something the Russians and CIA are desperate for and soon Cade and Ian are involved in the search. Cade and Liesl soon develop romantic feelings for one another. Cade has learned about God from his grandfather and trusts Him completely. Will Liesl be able to do the same?
The plotline is very interesting, entertaining and the action fast-paced. I found this book exciting and filled with tension and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Liesl at times was selfish and childish, but in the end she was growing spiritually and relationally. I loved the addition of Ian O’Brien to the story for comic relief and spiritual wisdom. The pages will turn quickly in this spy thriller novel, so don’t miss out!
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

I enjoyed "The Sound of Red Returning" more than Duffy's "Fatal Loyalty". Her characters were better developed and the storyline was very interesting and exciting! Music, Russians and spies made this suspenseful thriller difficult to put down. I can't wait for the next of this series to come out!! ( )

The Sound of Red Returning is a story filled with espionage. A young musician unknowingly gets entangled in a real spy story. After many years she thought things had settled down, but quickly realizes that her life is still in danger. I really enjoyed this book. The plot is exciting and quite thrilling to read. I'm looking forward to reading the next book! I would highly recommend this book.

**I received this book free from Kregel Publications as part of Library Thing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. ( )

This was an excellent story. Suspense, drama, romance and religion all very well intertwined in an amazingly good story. I was very impressed with this writer's style and ability to to have so many different aspects to the story and still leave no loose ends. This book is a must read for anybody as it has something for everybody. Kudos to Sue Duffy!!! Look forward to seeing more from this author. ( )

Concert pianist Liesl Bower must deal with things from her past in order to have a future. The CIA suspects that Liesl's mentor and teacher gave her something for safe keeping. The Russian's are also after whatever it was. Liesl remembers that she picked up a piece of music by mistake and the answer in it could save a nation. Along the way she meets and falls in love with Cade O'Brien.
Enjoyed the writing style which was suspenseful enough to keep the pages turning. Just enough balance between dialogue and description. Thought provoking that this kind of thing really happens in the world. Loved the Biblical references too.
This is the first book I have read by this author and just might look for more in the future. ( )